The City Council voted Monday night to allow GetAbout Columbia to begin work on two proposed sidewalks and one extension of the MKT trail at Garth Avenue. The council asked for a new plan for another extension project and told GetAbout to wait on funding for the two remaining extensions.

The Salvation Army will paint its red kettles green for St. Patrick's Day. The kettles, along with bell-ringing volunteers, will be posted along the 1.3-mile St. Patrick's Day parade route in Kansas City to raise money for emergency assistance to people in need.

On average, convicted felons serve less than half of their sentences in Missouri prisons. A bill introduced by state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, would
change this by requiring inmates to complete a minimum of 85 percent of
their sentence.

Interim Police Chief Tom Dresner presented a report to the City Council on Monday night in which the department admits to improper use of Tasers in two incidents. As a result of the incidents, police have clarified their Taser policy
by prohibiting the weapon's use on people suspected of less serious
crimes that don't involve physical
violence or an immediate threat to the public or police.

A bipartisan proposal introduced in the House on Monday afternoon would
authorize the General Assembly to issue bonds up to $700 million for
higher education building and maintenance projects and would be
presented to Missouri voters in the next general election.

Between Feb. 21 and 28, 11 drivers who were suspected to be under the
influence were removed from Boone County roadways, according to a
release by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. The department also issued 97 tickets during a speed enforcement program.